"It's late, you should go home," I tell them.

A silence falls. Then, Owen nods. "Of course. Bye, Scarlett." I give him a small smile as the rest stands up too.

"Bye," they mumble in unison and head for the door. I nod. I'm not ready to forgive them just yet. I'm not running back with open arms and a laugh, forgetting about everything.

Their shoulders are slumped when they leave, but that's honestly what they deserve. I've been like that for the past two years. And they may too, but it's their own fault.

The door closes and I hear the front door slam closed too, then a car engine starting. I take a deep breath. 

It was nice knowing the truth. But still, they have mouths to talk. This is not what our relation used to be. Nothing really happened without any communication, and then suddenly, this happened.

My eyes shoot to my phone. I actually have one more question...

Today, 2:24 am One last question

1-319...: Yes? Today, 2:24 am

1-319...: Are you okay?Today, 2:24 am

1-319...: I might have the answer Today, 2:24 am

1-319...: I probably don't, but I'll try Today, 2:24 am

1-319...: I'm just so happy this gc is being used again Today, 2:25 am

I sigh. I deleted their numbers two years ago, how am I going to add them back without asking? 

Today, 2:26 am Proof you are you?

1-319...: Um. Today, 2:27 am

1-319...: Jordan, you do not have the right to use periods right now Today, 2:27 am

1-319...: LMAO Today, 2:28 am

1-319...: What's the question? Today, 2:28 am 

I hum, happy. That gave me some explanation.

Jordan.: ? Today, 2:30 am

Elijah: If we're pushing, you can just say so, Scarlett Today, 2:31 am

1-319...: I don't want you to feel pressured Today, 2:32 am

1-319...: Absolutely not, we can leave now Today, 2:32 am

Aaron: You don't have to talk to us, I hope you know that Today, 2:32 am

I feel tears behind my eyes again and sniffle. Why are they so understanding? This way I could never hate them. They're so careful now...

Today, 2:33 am Owen, speak up please?

1-319...: I'm here if you need me to be Today, 2:33 am

Today, 2:34 am Okay

I change his name too, and now I know Ethan too.

Elijah: Is the question still going, or are you need comfortable enough? Today, 2:36 am

Today, 2:37 am Why exactly ghost me? You had two days before the restaurant, and then two years time to send me ANY kind of explanation. A letter, or an email, or a call to Dallas? Why letting go of  me?

Jordan: I think we just wanted to got you safe, which was priority. We're stupid dicks with no brain cells and we regret that now Today, 2:39 am

Aaron: In those two days, we were panicking because Greco was the guy who shot at the ball. We knew he was a threat before that, but that moment we all realized that it was not going to end well if we just ignored him Today, 2:42 am

Owen: So, we lost our minds in trying to find him. Didn't work. And that's also why we didn't answer your texts. Simply because we didn't see them. It sounds really shitty, I know that, but we actually had our hands full with trying to get your safety back Today, 2:44 am

Ethan: At a point, leading him on the wrong track was the best one. So we went to a few of Dante's sisters, who are actresses, and payed them to act like they were our girlfriends, because we knew Greco had contacts in that restaurant. And I am really sorry about the girl in my neck, Scarlett. That wasn't the deal and if you had come five seconds later, I'd have already pushed her off me Today, 2:47 am

Elijah: And not going after you? The most fucked up part is that we thought it'd be better for you, being off alone. We thought you'd be in danger all the time and fuck, the idea of you getting hurt is just unbearable. Today, 2:50 am

Jordan: But Dallas and Dylan refused to tell us which campus you went to, which of course is fair. And shortly after they cut us off, because we are shitty asshole who don't deserve any better. Today, 2:52 am

He does have a point.

Owen: That also explains the no-calls-to-Dallas part Today, 2:53 am

Today, 2:53 am Emails?

Ethan: Didn't send Today, 2:54 am

I frown. Huh?

Today, 2:55 am What do you mean, didn't send?

Ethan: There was an error each time we tried to send an email Today, 2:56 am

Owen: Me and my 559 drafts agree on that Today, 2:56 am

My eyes widen. 559?

Today, 2:57 am But... I got emails from my teachers and other students?

Aaron: Was it an email your school made for you?Today, 2:57 am

Today, 2:58 am Yes

Aaron: That could explain it. Most of the colleges there use a system where only emails inside the school are allowed on the school's email Today, 2:59 am

Elijah: I didn't even know that, I thought we were blocked Today, 3:00 am

I stay silent. So they did try to reach out to me... means that they did want to explain.

Today, 3:02 am So you did want to explain after?

Jordan: YES Today, 3:03 am

Ethan: Of course, us thinking you're not safe with us doesn't mean we aren't selfish enough to risk it. Besides, if you were with one of us all the time, not much could have happened Today, 3:04 am

I don't know what to feel anymore. I'm still hurt they didn't talk to me like they should have, but relief is also present. Relief they didn't actually cheat, but that those girls were actresses.

And relief that they tried to reach out to me after I left. It just didn't work.

Today, 3:06 am I'm not sure I can just ignore the pain and run back to you

Owen: You don't have to Today, 3:06 am

Ethan: We know we hurt you too much for that Today, 3:07 am

Jordan: We really don't expect you to Today, 3:07 am

Elijah: Hold up Today, 3:08 am

Elijah: You think we didn't actually go after you? That we let go of you that easily? Today, 3:08 am

Today, 3:09 am It's not like I saw you in Italy

Aaron: We did see you Today, 3:10 am

That knocks my breath away. Wait what? They did come to Italy?

Ethan: I'm sorry we haven't mentioned this earlier. A month or so after you left, we came to the campus because the mails and calls didn't arrive Today, 3:11 am

Jordan: And we saw you talking to people. You looked happy, and better off without us Today, 3:12 am

Owen: We wanted to talk to you, but then we saw how close you were with a guy and... we didn't want to ruin your life again. We'd already fucked up and beating that guy wouldn't help your new life Today, 3:14 am

Elijah: So, we ignored our own feelings and went away again. Not after bringing Greco a visit, though Today, 3: 15 am

Aaron: I really hope this doesn't upset you, Scarlett. It wasn't meant to hurt you even more, we just wanted you to be happy. I swear Today, 3: 17 am

I sob. They went after me. They went to Italy after me, to talk to me. 

Today, 3:19 am Why didn't you tell me? You should've gone right to me. I wasn't happy in Italy, you can't just decide for me what's better

Jordan: I'm sorry, Scarlett. You didn't look sad, but you are absolutely right. We shouldn't of chosen for you Today, 3:20 am

Elijah: You're right. This wasn't our decision only to make, we should've talked to you after you were done talking to that guy Today, 3:20 am

Aaron: We didn't tell you because we were scared. Scared you might actually liked that guy and scared everything was really over Today, 3:21 am

Today, 3:21 am It was over the second you didn't communicate with me.

Owen: That's correct. And we cannot ever explain how terribly sorry we are for that Today, 3:22 am

Elijah: Does it help that we didn't actually cheat though? Today, 3:22 am

Today, 3:23 am I need to sleep and think about this

Ethan: Take all the time you want Today, 3:23 am

Jordan: We're long happy we could explain this Today, 3:24 am

Elijah: Goodnight, Scarlett Today, 3:25 am

Aaron: Goodnight Today, 3:25 am

Owen: Goodnight Today, 3:26 am

Jordan: Goodnight Today, 3:26 am

Ethan: Goodnight Today, 3:26 am

I put my phone back on the night table and take a deep breath. Part of me wants to forgive them, to go back to how it was.

But the bigger part wins, and that one says, make them work for it. Which I will.

*****

I wake up to no texts from them.

Wow, they are actually listening to me and giving me space. But if this will be another ghosting round...

Today, 11: 01 am Are you ghosting me?

Jordan: NO Today, 11:02 am

Ethan: We are trying to stop ourselves from pushing you Today, 11:02 am

Elijah: I'm trying to give you space Today, 11:03 am

Owen: I am forced to do that Today, 11:03 am

Aaron: We took his phone, don't worry about him stalking you Today, 11:04 am

That makes me smile. They are trying hard to let me think and doubt about this, and not pushing me to go back in a relationship.

I get up and walk to the dinner table, where Dallas and Dylan are reading books in each other's arms. I smile and wave at them before seeing a brown bag in the table. A note is with it: For Scarlett

I frown and open it, and am met with the delicious scent of fresh baked croissants. Happiness fills my chest. "You didn't have to buy this for me, guys!"

Dallas frowns and looks up. "Babe. Do you actually think we would spend money on food for you? Your guys brought 'em."

My guys? I blush and shake my head. "They aren't my guys, but I'll thank them." He grins. "You know who I meant, though. What if I meant your brothers with 'your guys'?"

My eyes widen. I just assumed... "Who do I need to thank?" I sigh. I need to sort this out, and fast.

"My cousins," he grumbles and looks back at his book. I frown. I saw Dante being in unease with them yesterday, and the guys weren't really comfortable around him either.

I leave my croissants for a moment and plop down on the couch next to them. I notice Dylan's eyes have dropped. I grin. Must have been a rough night for him...

Dallas chuckles too. "Such a handful, that man. One night with less sleep and he's a whole day long useless."

"Don't be mean, he told me sex is very hard." I even give a fake pout. Dallas laughs. "Oh, the only thing hard about our sex-" "Yeah, I get it," I shake my head. I shouldn't have started this in the first place.

"Can I ask you something?" I ask. He senses the serious note in my voice and nods, sitting upright a little more. Dylan moves with him and just doesn't fall. 

"Uh oh, please tell me you aren't asking me for advice," Dallas groans. I arch an eyebrow. "I helped you treat Dylan well after your date and I helped you propose and I filmed it and I don't complain when you were fucking him on the floor of my dorm and—" 

He dismisses me with a wave of his hand. "Yeah, yeah. Fine. How can I help you?" I grin, happily. "So I have a question."

He nods, one of his hands intertwining with Dylan's. "Shoot."

"What happened between you and them?"

He stiffens and groans. "Ah, man. I hadn't thought of that question." "But will you answer it?"

He sighs. "Yeah. It's just that me and Dylan chose your side and completely cut them out. Last time we saw them I'd only just started working out in the gym. Sure, I still had the muscles from the team, but I'm broader now so I think they're scared."

I laugh. "Scared of you?" He grins and shrugs. "The fact I beat up Dante didn't help either." My eyes widen. "You beat up Dante?" 

He grimaces. "I'm not exactly proud of it. But he was asking Dylan out and then he kept asking after you and I got a red haze."

I give him puppy eyes. "Did Dallas get a red haze? That poor boy. Maybe he needs to stop being so protective about Dylan." I tap his nose, making him glare at me.

"If Dallas isn't protective about Dylan, Dylan gets in trouble." I giggle. He has a point. 

Dylan groans and snuggle deeper into Dallas, who rolls his eyes. He picks his fiancé up and tucks him to his chest. "Such a handful," he sighs. "I don't want to know what it'll be like to have kids and him tired."

I grin. "I'll help though." He smiles. "Of course."

"I gotta go now, I think I'll need to go bring Dante a visit," I wink. He narrows his eyes at me. "He's such an arse. I don't know why you like him." I shrug. "I like you, so basically every other human on earth is likable."

"Get the fuck out of my house," he huffs and kisses Dylan's ear. I dress up and take my croissants with me on my way out. "Bye bye!"

Dallas grins and waves. "Go say hello to your fuck buddies, will you? And tell them to just ring the bell if they bring you breakfast, and not leave it in front of the door like some scared puppies."

"Will do!" I yell back, knowing he's playing. I bite my croissant and happily hop home. I cross their street and see Dante just leaving. His car stops next to me. "Hey, Scar! I didn't see you there."

I cock an eyebrow. He sighs and looks down. "Okay, maybe I did see you, but that's besides the point...." 

I purse my lips and nod. "What are you up to, Dante?" He looks up again, a grin on his face. "On my way to the hairdresser. Gonna go back to dark hair."

I smile. "That will be better. No offense, but this looks an awful lot like the blonde Eminem." He frowns. "There's nothing wrong with that, right?"

I just stare at him until he climbs back in his car. "Alright, have it your way. Where can I drop you off?"

I doubt. I should go home... I look into their street and frown in hesitation. Should I go there? It's not like I haven't decided yet. And I may want to build a relationship again, but they'll have to work hard for it. Really hard.

"Actually..." I start, still in doubt. Dante chuckles and shakes his head. "Oh, Scar. Just go there, it'll make everything easier. Also, my sisters have no intention of getting with your guys," he winks and drives away.

They aren't my guys. Why does everyone assume that? Just like I'm not their girl anymore.

I nod, although Dante can't see me anymore. A short visit can't hurt anyone, can it?

So, I walk to their house. It hasn't changed much, only that the garden is a little sad and dead now. Aaron clearly hasn't been taking care of it...

I take a deep breath and walk down the path. I look at the big window next to the front door and giggle when I see a shadow moving rapidly before there are five of them, after which they quickly disappear again.

When I knock on the door, it's Ethan who answer. He smiles at me and I notice surprise in his gaze. But, he doesn't comment anything on it. Instead, a warm, "Hey, Scarlett!" is given me.

I smile back, which surprises him even more, I can tell. He lets me in and I see Elijah 'reading'. Well, he's acting like he's reading, but he actually already glanced five times in my direction.

Six.

Seven.

"Hi, Elijah," I chuckle. He blushes and looks up. "Hi, Scarlett. I'm surprised but very happy to see you here."

"I'm surprised too," I nod and look around. It hasn't changed much, it's just dirtier. Owen grimaces and rubs the back of his head before running ahead of me, quickly getting rid of all the garbage he can get.

"I'm—damnit, why do you fall—sorry, I didn't expect you to—son of a bitch—to come today and I'd have cleaned it if I'd known—Ah, come on!" He tries to apologize, but some things fall out of his arms and he groans in between.

I giggle. He's still so clumsy. He turns around with back eyes, then quickly collects himself. "Um. Yeah. Um," he stutters. "It's okay, I don't mind the mess," I lie to comfort him. He frowns. "No, you don't. You hate chaos."

That I do. I'm surprised he still remembers that. So, I hum and make my way to the couch. Owen throws the collected things away and jumps next to Ethan on the couch. They look at me with big eyes, just like Elijah.

I smile. "Where are Jordan and Aaron?" Elijah curses and stands up. "Er. Jordan is in his office, he's scared for what you came to say. And Aaron is, er, fuck, I don't know."

"Aaron!" I yell. His head immediately pops around the door and he shyly smiles. "Oh, hey, Scarlett. I didn't know you were here."

Totally didn't see you at the window but oh well.

"That's okay," I smile and tap beside me on the couch. He blushing slightly and walks over to me. "If you are not comfortable with me sitting next—" "Just get that ass here," I sigh.

It's getting quite annoying how careful they are. A little is good, but this is way over it.

He nods and sits down stiffly. I frown. "Wait. You don't want to sit down next to me?"

He cringes. "No! That's not it! I love sitting next to you or close to you and I do want to sit here, I just don't know if you feel comfortable around me and if you don't I totally understand and I just want to—" I place my finger on his lips to shut him up.

His eyes widen and he tenses. "It's okay, Aaron. I want you to sit next to me, alright?" I gently say. He gives me a soft nod and eases into the couch. He takes care not to touch me, though.

I frown. Jordan is taking his time... "I'm gonna go get him," I announce and stand up, then walk to his office. I knock on the door, but no one answers. 

I do hear music coming from behind his door, though. I silently open the door and see him humming along with the song and signing papers.

"Like my favorite song going 'round, 'round my head"

"Jordan?" He squeals and jumps up, then smiles hesitantly at me. I wave at him. His eyes widen in a panic and he pulls out his phone to stop the music, but it doesn't work.

He grimaces and taps again, but fails miserably. His shoulders slump as he looks up, meeting my eyes.

"C'mon, give me the phone," I giggle. He swallows. "Um. I'd rather—not?" My eyebrows raise. He seems to panic again and almost runs towards me, giving me the phone.

I chuckle. It's so funny he still doesn't know how to put off the music. "N-normally Aaron does it for me," he mumbles. I put it on stop and see the name of his playlist.

For my baby, Scarlett 🥰😍🥵

I giggle. "You're such an emo," I laugh. He stands there, perplexed. "So. Um. If you hadn't noticed, that was why I didn't give off my phone just now. Not because I have something to hide," he nervously says.

I give his phone back. "Oh, I know, Jordy." Hope flashes in his eyes before he shakes it off. "You're lucky you're the only person who's allowed to call me that," he grins.

I smile and turn around, going back to the other guys. Jordan follows me by step. He sits down next to Owen and I take back my place next to Aaron.

They stare at me, expectantly. 

I swallow. Right. 

"So I've been thinking for a few hours after you left at Dylan's and Dallas'. And I have decided."

A look of pure horror crosses on their faces and all color drains out of their faces. They're clearly scared of what I'll say. Good.

"I am willing to give you another chance."

A relieved sigh goes through the room and I can tell from the way they relax into their seats they've been waiting very long for this.

"But..." They tense again and look at me with big eyes. They didn't really expect I didn't have any buts, did they?

Of course there's a but. I can't just forget what happened.

"I want to start all over again. Dates and hugs first. You broke my trust and you need to earn that back. And I want full communication on what's happening. No more bullshit if I'm too sensitive, I want to know everything. Understand?"

They quickly nod. It comes out in unison, "Yes, Scarlett."

I nod, happy with myself. "Text me the information about the first date and I'll be there. Oh! And I have a new number, I'll give it to you. I texted you with my old one last night, but my phone glitched so I think it's better if you have the new one."

They immediately give me their phone, all too happy I'm giving them a chance to do it right.

"There you go. I have to go now, see you later?" They nod, a big smile on all their faces. "See you soon, Scarlett," Ethan smiles and bends to kiss my cheek, then halts.

I grin and press my cheek against his lips, causing him to actually press a kiss. I tap his cheek. "You like kisses, hm?"

He smiles. "I'll prove them worthy, I promise." He better.

Owen fights his way to me. Puppy eyes meet mine. "Can I please give you a kiss too? Please?" I smile and nod, tapping on my cheek.

He happily kisses both of my cheeks. So do Jordan, Elijah and Aaron. 

I don't let them kiss my lips, but neither do they ask. Babysteps are the key word from now on.

Small babysteps.